Hyundai has issued several recall orders affecting more than 390,000 vehicles.
The largest order affects 203,000 Santa Fe Sport SUVs from model years 2013 through 2015. The anti-lock brake system module in the vehicles, Hyundai says, “can leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short over time.” The electrical short can trigger an engine fire. Fires could start while driving or while the vehicle is parked, so owners should park the vehicles outside until they’ve been repaired.
This is the second time these vehicles have been recalled. Owners should bring their vehicles in a second time for a new repair.
Dealers will inspect the ABS module and replace it if internal seals appear worn. Even if they don’t replace the module, dealers will replace a fuse with one designed “to mitigate the risk of a fire.” In a statement filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Hyundai said it knows of 18 fires associated with this defect.
A second recall concerns about 187,000 2019-2020 Elantras and 2019-20021 Konas and Velosters. All have 2.0-liter engines.
The piston rings in those engines may not have been properly heat-treated. That can cause an oil leak and an engine fire. Dealers will install new software designed to sense changes in the pistons’ behavior and alert owners to any danger. They will also inspect for damage and, if necessary, replace the entire engine. Hyundai says it is aware of five fires related to this problem, but no injuries.
Recall repairs are always free.
Many cars are recalled at least once, and some are recalled more than once. Manufacturers try to notify every owner but rarely reach them all. Find out if your car has any outstanding recalls using our recall center.
